Historic $1 Fee Introduced for Green Card Lottery Registration
The U.S. Department of State has announced a groundbreaking change to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program effective October 16, 2025. For the first time in the program's history, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee to enter the green card lottery. This historic shift was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and marks a significant change for the millions who apply annually.
Additionally, the State Department has confirmed that registration for the DV-2027 lottery has been delayed from its typical early October opening. The application period is now expected to begin in mid-to-late October 2025 and continue through November 2025, though exact dates have not been officially announced.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The recent updates introduce several important modifications that affect all future green card lottery applicants:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV lottery entrants must pay $1 electronically during registration (non-refundable)
- DV-2027 Delayed Opening: Registration typically begins in early October but has been postponed to mid-to-late October 2025
- Revenue Generation: The new fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants
- DV-2026 Results Available: Winners for the 2026 lottery were announced on May 3, 2025, with results available until September 30, 2026
- Proposed Passport Requirement: A rule requiring valid passport uploads during registration has been proposed but will not take effect for DV-2027
The $1 fee represents the first cost barrier to entering the lottery, though it remains separate from the $330 Diversity Visa Application fee that successful selectees must pay later. This change shifts the financial burden of program administration from only successful applicants to all participants.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of diversity visa hopefuls worldwide. Understanding how these changes affect different groups is essential for proper preparation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery for the first time with DV-2027, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee in addition to potential passport photo requirements. The electronic payment must be completed at the time of registration, so ensure you have a valid payment method ready. Additionally, monitor the official State Department website closely for the exact opening date announcement.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Veterans of the diversity visa lottery process will notice the most significant change is the mandatory $1 fee, which was never required in previous years. While this amount is minimal, it represents a fundamental shift in how the program operates. You'll still need to submit a new entry for DV-2027 even if you applied in previous years, as lottery entries do not carry over.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), these new changes do not affect your application process. You should proceed with your diversity visa application using your confirmation number and ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements. Your selection remains valid through September 30, 2026.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully enter the DV-2027 diversity visa lottery when registration opens:
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up an electronic payment method capable of processing the $1 registration fee (credit card, debit card, or digital wallet)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect recent passport-style photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within last 6 months)
- Monitor Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly starting mid-October 2025 for the exact registration opening announcement
- Complete Online Entry: Submit your electronic DV Entry Form (E-DV) through the official website within the registration period (typically 30-60 days)
- Pay Registration Fee: Complete the non-refundable $1 electronic payment during the submission process
- Save Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number immediately - this is the only way to check your results later
- Mark Results Date: DV-2027 results will likely be announced in May 2026 (historically results come out in early May)
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing any deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect
- October 16, 2025: $1 fee requirement becomes mandatory for all DV lottery registrations
- Mid-to-Late October 2025: Expected opening of DV-2027 lottery registration period (exact date TBA)
- November 2025: Anticipated closing of DV-2027 registration period (typically 30-60 day window)
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results announcement (based on historical patterns)
- September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results availability ends - last day to check 2026 lottery status
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the State Department Charging a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The U.S. State Department introduced the $1 registration fee to distribute the costs of managing the DV lottery more equitably across all 25 million annual registrants, rather than placing the entire burden on the small percentage who are selected. The revenue, estimated at $25 million annually, will fund operational improvements including system upgrades, enhanced data collection, and security reviews. This change ensures that everyone who benefits from entering the lottery contributes to its administration costs.
When Will the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Open?
The DV-2027 lottery registration has been delayed from its typical early October opening and is now expected to begin in mid-to-late October 2025. The State Department has not announced an exact date yet, but the application period typically runs for 30-60 days once opened. Applicants should monitor the official website at dvprogram.state.gov for the official announcement and should be prepared to submit their entries promptly once registration opens.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the Green Card Lottery Now?
No, you do not need a passport to enter the DV-2027 lottery. While the State Department has proposed a rule requiring applicants to upload a valid, unexpired passport scan during registration, this requirement will not be implemented for the DV-2027 cycle due to the time needed for finalization. However, you should prepare to have a passport ready for future lottery cycles, as this requirement may take effect for DV-2028 or later.
How Do I Check My DV-2026 Green Card Lottery Results?
DV-2026 lottery results are available from May 3, 2025, through September 30, 2026, on the official Entrant Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/. You must use your unique confirmation number that was provided when you submitted your entry. The State Department will not send you an email or letter notification, so you are responsible for checking your status online yourself.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Changes
The introduction of the $1 registration fee represents the most significant administrative change to the Diversity Visa Lottery program in recent years. While the fee is minimal, it marks a fundamental shift in how the program is funded and demonstrates the State Department's commitment to modernizing the lottery system. The delay in DV-2027 registration is likely related to implementing these new fee collection systems.
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, prepare your payment method now and ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before registration opens. Monitor the official State Department website closely for the exact opening date, and be ready to submit your entry promptly once the registration period begins. Additionally, check our comprehensive visa photo specifications to ensure your application photos meet all U.S. government standards and avoid disqualification for technical photo errors.
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